Ontario MPP proposes bill to 'protect workers jobs, privacy' on COVID vaccine disclosure

In January, MPP Roman Baber was cast out from Ontario's Progressive Conservative caucus for questioning the viability of provincial lockdowns and their mental health toll on residents.

He now sits as an Independent and is continuing his efforts advocating a private members bill, the "Jobs and Jabs Act," to prevent employers from firing or suspending employees for not getting vaccinated against COVID.

Baber, who is fully vaccinated, said another objective of the bill was to guarantee the privacy of employees who do not wish to disclose their vaccination status to their employer.

"The goal is to protect jobs and preserve livelihoods," he said.

"Doug Ford’s ... slogan was 'open for business, open for jobs,'" stressing he is "pro-choice" when it comes to people’s personal health-care decisions.

"After locking down Ontario for almost 18 months, Doug Ford is ready to leave countless Ontarians jobless and destitute for exercising what he referred to as their choice," said Baber.

He added: "Employers should be encouraged to accommodate employees or use rapid tests when no accommodation is possible. But under no circumstances, should any Ontarian lose their job because of a personal health choice."

While the legislature has prorogued and will not resume until October 4, he would like the house recalled before Ontario’s mandatory proof-of-vaccine program takes effect September 22.

Last month, Baber derided Ford as “a weak tyrant” for ejecting veteran MPP Rick Nicholls from the Tory caucus for refusing to get vaccinated. The premier pushed vaccine mandates for healthcare workers, educators, and public servants after considerable pressure from frontline workers and unions.

Seventy-nine percent of Ontario’s adult population is fully vaccinated, while 1.8 million adults have yet to receive a single dose of the vaccine.

"The vast majority of them are members of the labour force," said Baber on his bill. "This is about respecting an employees right to make a different choice."